Opinions sought for Councl depot location

Rachel Campbell

A planned Council depot at East Newtonleys on the outskirts of Stonehaven near Dunnottar Castle may be looking for a new home.

Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed that it is “looking into different options” for the depot, which will include a 40-foot-high barn the size of a football pitch.

Planning permission in principle had already been approved for the site at East Newtonleys, although concerns had been raised by the community over the impact it would have on tourism, as well as concerns over flooding. At the Stonehaven and District Community Council meeting earlier this month, Stonehaven and Lower Deeside Councillor Graeme Clark said: “If anyone has a suggestion as to where the depot could go, the council will listen. There has not been a spade in the ground yet, so there’s still time. The site for the depot must have good links to the A90 and A92.”

Community councillors spoke in favour of siting the depot at Redcloak, on land near the recycling centre.

Community council chairan Phil Mills-Bishop said: “Redcloak is a good option. There is already a recycling centre. I’m hopeful that Redcloak will be seriously looked at. We’ve got a chance to make a suggestion. There has been no support in the town for East Newtonleys.”

Community councillor Ian Hunter said: ”If East Newtonleys goes ahead it will affect tourism and it also sets a precedent for more building work there.”

But Stonehaven and Lower Deeside Councillor Peter Bellarby added: “ If you want to make a suggestion please do. Whether it’s a council depot or not, that area is zoned for employment and development of some type up there is inevitable.”.